SOUTH BEND, Ind. - Visit Downtown South Bend for the July First Fridays, where the theme will be "Backyard BBQ", celebrating the simple joys of summer like picnics, BBQ, time outdoors with friends and family, garage sales, car shows, baseball, fireworks, cornhole, and more.

It all takes place Friday, July 7 from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.

The 100 block of South Michigan will be closed for a block party with dining in the street, a free concert by the Phat Tuesday Dixieland Band, a beer garden, face painters, balloon artist, caricaturist, vendors, a Studebaker Car Show, and the first ever Picnic Palooza decorated picnic table contest.

On the Gridiron there will be the first ever Gridiron Garage Sale, plus a BBQ cook-off and cornhole, along with other backyard games.

Latin Dance Parties and Meet Me on the Island both make their returns to First Fridays this month.

Additionally, South Bend Bike Garage will be providing a free Bike Valet at Key Bank Plaza, plus Architectural Walking Tours, Howard Park Concert Series, and much more.

For full event details visit DowntownSouthBend.com/july

The organizers remind you that parking, on-street and in city-managed garages, is always free in downtown South Bend nights and weekends.